39th BFI FLARE: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival: “After the Snowmelt” Review

Taiwanese-born director Yi-Shan Lo’s latest documentary, After the Snowmelt (2024), which premiered at the 2024 Visions du Réel festival in the Burning Lights Competition, and was also shown at this year’s BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, is an emotional and visually striking exploration of grief, survival, and identity.  After the Snowmelt challenges traditional storytelling…

39th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – “Summer’ Camera” Review

Having its world premiere at this year’s BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, Summer’s Camera is the feature directorial debut of Divine Sung, a South Korean filmmaker. The film depicts a wonderful and subtle exploration of youth and love. It also captures the theme of self-discovery while painting a portrait of a high school student,…

39th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival: “Manok” Review

Every metal guitar wants a powerful amplifier. Yang Mal-bok is delightfully animated in Lee Yu-jin’s Manok, a film where zest is absolutely mandatory.  Shortly after the first frame’s bright rainbow flag passes us by, we meet the titular Manok, a lively and impulsive bar owner who hosts LGBTQIA+ parade parties in Seoul. In a bold…

39th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – “Việt and Nam” Review

If you’re a Vietnamese filmmaker, presenting a story to the world about two star-crossed lovers nicknamed Viet and Nam is all but asking the audience to interpret the trajectory of their relationship as a metaphor for the nation itself. The third film from writer/director Truong Minh Quy attempts to avoid this straightforward categorization due to…

39th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival Announces Its Full Programme

The 39th edition of BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival will take place at BFI Southbank, featuring screenings, special events, and DJ nights. The festival, known for its significance in the LGBTQIA+ film calendar, is divided into three thematic strands: HEARTS, BODIES, and MINDS. This year’s programme includes 34 World Premieres, 56 features, 1 series,…

International Premiere of “The Wedding Banquet” to Open The 39th BFI FLARE: LONDON LGBTQIA+ Film Festival

LGBTQIA+ cinema is more essential than ever, offering visibility, promoting empathy, and challenging societies. It provides a space for storytelling that reflects diverse identities and experiences, creating a sense of belonging for marginalised communities. Festivals like BFI Flare play a crucial role in strengthening these voices, ensuring that queer narratives – whether exploring love, family,…